Connector with cable retention feature and patch cord having the same

ABSTRACT

A patch cord including a connector attached to an end of an electrical cable. The connector includes a single-piece attachment member having a management section, a boot, and collar including a retention arrangement. Certain types of retention arrangements include one or more teeth that protrude inwardly from the collar to bite into at least an outer jacket of the electrical cable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/524,938,filed Jun. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,845,359, which applicationclaims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/499,467, filedJun. 21, 2011, titled “Connector with Cable Retention Feature and PatchCord Having the Same,” which applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to cables for use in thetelecommunications industry, and various methods associated with suchcables. More particularly, this disclosure relates to telecommunicationpatch cords.

BACKGROUND

The telecommunications industry utilizes cabling in a wide range ofapplications. Some cabling arrangements include twisted pairs ofinsulated conductors, the pairs being twisted about each other to definea twisted pair core. An insulating jacket is typically extruded over thetwisted pair core to maintain the configuration of the core, and tofunction as a protective layer. Such cabling is commonly referred to asa multi-pair cable.

Multi-pair cables are used in many applications; for example, patchcords often utilize multi-pair cables. Patch cords include connectorssecured to each end of a multi-pair cable and are used to provideelectrical interconnections between two pieces of equipment. Theconnectors are typically clamped onto the ends of the multi-pair cable.

Conventional patch cord connectors, such as RJ45 type connectors, oftencannot meet the stringent electrical requirements associated with highspeed signal transmission applications. Such electrical requirements canconcern, for example, alien crosstalk arising from high speed signaltransmissions. In most cases, the inability to meet the electricalrequirements is due at least in part to inadequate retention of theconnector in relation to the cable and/or cable jacket. Inadequateretention of the connector causes distortion in both the twisted paircore as well as the individual pairs of the multi-pair cable, which inturn adversely affects electrical performance.

To address the above retention problem, some more recent connectorarrangements include additional securing components. The additionalsecuring components, however, increase the manufacturing cost of boththe connector and the cable in terms of added materials, machining ormolding, and assembly.

In general, improvement has been sought with respect to such connectorand cable arrangements, generally to improve attachment of a connectorto a multi-pair cable, and related assembly processes.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a patch cord. The patchcord includes a connector attached to an end of a multi-pair cable. Theconnector includes a retention arrangement that engages a jacket of themulti-pair cable. Still another aspect of the present disclosure relatesto a method of assembling a patch cord having a connector with aretention arrangement. A further aspect of the present disclosurerelates to a multi-pair cable connector having a retention arrangementfor retaining the connector on a multi-pair cable.

A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing variousaspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive ofthe claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one example implementation of apatch cord, including a multi-pair cable and connectors, in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the patch cord of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multi-pair cable of the patch cordof FIG. 1, shown in isolation;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the multi-pair cable ofFIG. 3, taken along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a front, bottom perspective view of an attachment member ofone of the connectors of FIG. 1, shown in isolation;

FIG. 6 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the attachment member ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the attachment member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the attachment member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the attachment member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the attachment member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the attachment member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the 12-12 line of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the 13-13 line of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the 14-14 line of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of a portion of the patch cordof FIG. 1, with the plug nose removed from the attachment member of oneof the connectors and a moveable cover of the attachment member in theopen position;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a partially assembled connector withthe multi-pair cable of FIG. 3 slid through the attachment member ofFIGS. 5-14;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe partially assembled connector of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the patchcord of FIG. 2, with the plugnose of the first connector exploded from the attachment member; and

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis ofthe exploded connector of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various features of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

A. Introduction

In general, the present disclosure relates to a connector having aslide-on retention arrangement that retains the connector in relation toan end of a cable. The retention arrangement makes the connector easy toassemble onto a multi-jacket cable, requires no additional parts, anddoes not adversely affect the electrical performance of the cable's coreor twisted pairs.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the retentionarrangement of the presently disclosed connector includes one or moreteeth that slide over a double-layered jacket of a cable in onedirection during installation and bite into the jacket when pulled in anopposite direction. In some implementations, the retention arrangementis designed to inhibit longitudinal movement of an outer jacket of thecable without disturbing the cable core or the individual twisted pairs.In certain implementations, the connector also is designed also toinhibit longitudinal movement of an inner jacket of the cable. Inaddition to providing improved connector retention, the retentionarrangement also has the effect of providing a secure strain relieffeature for the cable exiting the connector.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one example implementation of a patch cord100 having features that are examples of how inventive aspects of thepresent disclosure may be practiced, is illustrated. The patch cord 100generally includes a cable 102 having a first end 101 and a second end103. First and second connectors 110 are attached to the ends 101, 103of the cable 102.

B. Multi-Pair Cable, Generally

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cable 102 of the presently disclosedpatch cord 100 includes a plurality of twisted pairs 108. In theillustrated example, the cable 102 includes four twisted pairs 108. Eachof the four twisted pairs includes first and second insulated conductors105 twisted about one another along a longitudinal pair axis. Theelectrical conductors (e.g., wires) of the insulated conductors 105 maybe made of copper, aluminum, copper-clad steel, plated copper, or otherelectrically conductive materials. In one example implementation, theconductors 105 are made of braided copper. One example of a braidedcopper conductor construction that can be used is described in moredetail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,427, which is incorporated herein byreference. In other implementations, the conductors 105 may be made ofglass or plastic fiber such that a fiber optic cable is produced inaccordance with the principles disclosed. The insulating layer of theinsulated conductors 105 can be made of electrical insulating materials(e.g., fluoropolymers).

The plurality of twisted pairs 108 of the cable 102 defines a cable core104. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the core 104 includes onlythe plurality of twisted pairs 108. In alternative implementations, thecore 104 also may include a spacer that separates or divides the twistedpairs 108. For example, a star-type spacer can be used to divide thefour twisted pairs 108. Other spacers, such as flexible tape strips orfillers defining pockets and having retaining elements that retain eachof the twisted pairs within the pockets, also can be used. Additionalspacer examples suitable for use with the cable 102 are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,214,884; 7,115,815; and 7,271,342, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Referring still to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cable 102 includes a jacket 106that surrounds the core 104 of twisted pairs 108. In the illustratedembodiment, the jacket 106 is a double jacket having both a first innerjacket 107 and a second outer jacket 109. The inner jacket 107 surroundsthe core 104 of twisted pairs 108. The outer jacket 109 surrounds theinner jacket 107. The inner and outer jackets 107, 109 function not onlyto maintain the relative positioning of the twisted pairs 108, but alsoto lessen the occurrence of alien crosstalk. In the illustrated exampleof FIG. 4, the outer jacket 109 has an outer diameter OD1 of betweenabout 0.305 inches and 0.315 inches. The inner jacket 107 has an outerdiameter OD2 of between about 0.236 and 0.250 inches.

The inner jacket 107 and the outer jacket 109 of the example cable 102can be made from similar materials, or can be made of materialsdifferent from one another. Some example materials that can be used tomanufacture the inner and outer jackets 107, 109 include plasticmaterials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene,fluoropolymers (e.g. ethylenechlorotrifluorothylene (ECTF) andFlurothylenepropylene (FEP)), or other electrically insulatingmaterials. In other implementations, a low-smoke, zero-halogen material(e.g., polyolefin) can be used.

In one embodiment, each of the twisted pairs 108 of the cable 102 has atwist rate and associated lay length different from that of the othertwisted pairs. This type of arrangement aids in reducing crosstalkbetween the pairs of the cable core 104. The cable core 104 of the cable102 also has a cable twist rate and associated cable lay length. Varioustwisted pairs lay length arrangements and cable core lay lengths can beutilized in accordance with the present disclosure. Some examplearrangements are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,375,284, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additional cablearrangements having other example pair and cable lay length arrangementsthat can be used are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,214,884; 7,115,815;7,271,342; 7,173,189; and 7,411,131; the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

C. Connector with Retention Arrangement

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first and second connectors 110 ofthe present patch cord 100 are each attached to the ends 101, 103 of thecable 102. In the illustrated example, the connectors 110 are plug-typeconnectors. In other implementations, however, the connectors 110 caninclude jack-type connectors. In one implementation, each of thecomponents of the connector 110 is manufactured from polycarbonate. Inother implementations, other materials also can be used in manufacturingthe connector 110.

Each of the connectors 110 generally includes a plug nose 112 and anattachment member 114. The attachment member 114 secures to the cable102 and organizes the twisted pairs 108 thereof. The plug nose 112secures to the attachment member 114 and houses contacts that terminatethe twisted pairs 108.

As shown in FIG. 1, each plug nose 112 includes main signal contacts 117that terminate conductors 105 of the cable 100. Certain types of plugnoses 112 also include memory storage contacts 111 that connect to astorage device 150 carried by the plug nose 112. For example, thestorage contacts 111 and storage device 150 may be disposed in a keyarea of each plug nose 112 (see FIG. 19). Example implementations of asuitable plug nose 112 for use with connectors 110 are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/907,724, filed Oct. 19, 2010, and titled“Managed Electrical Connectivity Systems,” the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

The attachment member 114 includes a body 115 having a retainingarrangement 149 retaining the connector 110 in an axially fixed positionon the cable 102. FIGS. 5-14 illustrate one example implementation of asuitable attachment member 114 for use with a connector 110. The body115 of the attachment member 114 includes a management section 120, aretention section 130, a boot 127, and a collar 140. In someimplementations, the body 115 is molded as a monolithic piece. In otherimplementations, the sections may be separately molded and subsequentlywelded together, latched together, or otherwise secured together.

The management section 120 of the attachment member body 115 defines aplurality of channels 121 configured to receive components of the cable102. For example, in some implementations, each channel 121 isconfigured to receive a twisted pair 108 of the cable 102. In otherimplementations, the management section 120 defines a sufficient numberof channels 121 so that each channel 121 receives one wire 105 of atwisted pair 108. In some implementations, the channels 121 extendforwardly from the retention section 130. In other implementations, twoarms 126 extend forwardly from the retention section 130 and thechannels 121 are defined at a distal end of the arms 126 (see FIG. 7).

In some implementations, the channels 121 of the management section 120extend parallel to each other. In other implementations, the channels121 may branch out and extend at angles from each other. In someimplementations, the channels 121 are coplanar. In otherimplementations, at least one channel 121 is formed beneath anotherchannel 121. In the example shown, the management section 120 includes atop channel 122, a bottom channel 123, a left channel 124, and a rightchannel 125 (see FIG. 10). In other implementations, the managementsection 120 may have any suitable channel configuration.

The retention section 130 includes a base 131 and a moveable cover 133.In FIGS. 5-14, the cover 133 is shown in an open position, therebyproviding access to the base 131. The cover 133 is configured to move toa closed position (see FIG. 18) covering the base 131. In the exampleshown, the cover 133 is attached to a base 131 via a flexible arm 134that is configured to bend about a living hinge. The cover 133 and thebase 131 hold a portion of the cable 102 therebetween when the cover 133moves to the closed position. For example, in certain implementations,the cover 133 and the base 131 clamp around the inner jacket 107 of thecable 102.

In some implementations, the cover 133 is secured to the base 131 whenmoved to the closed position. In the example shown, the base 131includes a latch member 137 and the cover 133 defines a latch recess 138in which the latch member 137 is received to secure the cover 133 tosecure the cover 133 to the base 131. In other implementations, thecover 133 may include the latch member and the base 131 may include therecess. In still other implementations, the cover 133 may be secured tothe base 131 using fasteners, adhesive, welding, etc.

In some implementations, at least one of the base 131 and the cover 133include grips that aid in retaining the portion of the cable 102 heldbetween the cover 133 and the base 131. In certain implementations, boththe base 131 and the cover 133 include grips. In the example shown, thebase 131 includes three grips 135 and the cover 133 includes a singlegrip 136. In other implementations, however, the base 131 and cover 133may include greater or fewer grips. In the example shown, the cover grip136 is more pointed than the base grips 135. In other implementations,however, the grips 135, 136 may have any desired shape.

In some implementations, the cover 133 includes latching tabs 139 on anopposite side of the cover 133 from the grip 136. In the example shown,the cover 133 includes two spaced latching tabs 139. In otherimplementations, the cover 133 may include greater or fewer latchingtabs 139. The latching tabs 139 are configured to be received inopenings 113 (FIG. 18) defined in the plug nose 112 (see FIG. 2) tolatch the plug nose 112 to the attachment member 114. In otherimplementations, however, the plug nose 112 may be otherwise secured tothe attachment member 114.

In some implementations, an arm 132 extends from the body 115 forwardlyof the retention section 130. For example, the arm 132 may extend fromone side of the load boar section 130. In certain implementations, thearm 132 is curved in an arc extending first away from and then towards alongitudinal axis A_(L) of the body 115. The arm 132 is sufficientlyresilient to cooperate with a latching arm of the plug nose 112 toselectively release the connector 110 from an adapter port. Detailspertaining to the interaction between the arm 132 and the plug noselatching arm can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/907,724, incorporated by reference above.

The boot 127 extends rearwardly from the retention section 130 of theattachment member body 115. In some implementations, at least one sideof the boot 127 tapers radially inwardly from the retention section 130to the collar 140. In the example shown, two of the sides taper radiallyinwardly (see FIG. 7) and two of the sides extending generally parallelwith the retention section 130 (see FIG. 9). In certain implementations,the boot 127 defines one or more cutouts 12 that facilitate limitedlateral bending of the boot 127. Accordingly, the boot 127 provides somestrain-relief for the cable 102.

A passage 128 extends through the boot 127 along the longitudinal axisA_(L) of the body 115. The inner surface of the boot 127 has an innerdiameter ID1 (FIG. 13) that is sufficiently large to receive the innerjacket 107 of the cable 102 (and components received therein). Incertain implementations, the inner diameter ID1 of the passage 128 isnot sufficiently large to accommodate the outer jacket 109 of the cable102 (see FIG. 17).

The collar 140 extends from the boot 127 to an end of the connector 110.In the example shown, an exterior surface of the collar 140 is generallysmooth. In other implementations, however, the exterior of the collar140 may have ridges, bumps, or other surface textures. In someimplementations, the collar 140 has a generally cylindrical shape. Inother implementations, however, the collar 140 may have a rectangularcross-sectional shape, obround cross-sectional shape, ovalcross-sectional shape, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. Apassage 141 extends through the collar 140 along the longitudinal axisA_(L) of the attachment member body 115.

The collar 140 has a first section 147 adjacent the boot 127 and asecond section 148 adjacent the end of the connector 110. The firstsection 147 has an internal diameter ID2 that is substantially the sameas the internal diameter ID1 of the boot 127. The second section 148 hasan internal diameter ID3 that is larger than the internal diameter ID2of the first section 147. In certain implementations, the internaldiameter ID3 of the second section 148 is sufficiently large to receivethe cable 102 including both the inner jacket 107 and the outer jacket109. The transition to between the first and second sections 147, 148 ofthe collar 140 defines a rearward facing ledge 146.

In some example implementations, the first section 147 has an internaldiameter ID2 of between about 6 mm (about 0.24 inches) and about 7 mm(about 0.28 inches), and the second section 148 has an internal diameterID3 of between about 7 mm (about 0.28 inches) and about 8 mm (about 0.31inches). In certain implementations, the internal diameter ID2 is about0.25 inches (6.35 mm) to about 0.27 inches (6.858 mm). In one exampleimplementation, the internal diameter ID2 is about 6.5 mm (about 0.26inches). In certain implementations, the internal diameter ID3 is about7.6 mm (about 0.3 inches) to about 8.1 mm (about 0.32 inches). In oneexample implementation, the internal diameter ID3 is about 7.8 mm (about0.31 inches)

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, the collar 140includes a retention arrangement 149 to inhibit axial movement of theconnector 110 on the cable 102. One or more teeth 143 protrude inwardlyfrom the second section 148 of the collar 140. Each tooth 143 defines aramp 144 camming inwardly as the tooth 143 extends away from the ledge146 (e.g., see FIGS. 12 and 13). Each tooth 143 also defines a shoulder145 that faces the ledge 146. In some implementations, the teeth 143 aregenerally rigid. In other implementations, the teeth 143 may beflexible. In the example shown, four teeth 143 are spaced 90° apartalong an internal circumference of the collar 140 (e.g., see FIG. 14).In other implementations, greater or fewer teeth 143 may be located in adifferent configuration.

In some implementations, the second section 148 of the collar 140defines at least one opening 142 in a circumferential wall of the collar140 leading to the axial passage 141. For example, the second section148 may define an opening 142 for each tooth 143. In some suchimplementations, each opening 142 extends from the ledge 146 to therespective tooth 143. In the example shown, the second section 148 ofthe collar 140 defines four openings 142 each positioned between one ofthe teeth 143 and the ledge 146. In other implementations, greater orfewer openings 142 may be defined in the collar 140. In certainimplementations, the collar 140 may not define any openings through thecircumferential wall.

FIGS. 15-19 show the attachment member 114 being positioned on one endof the cable 102. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter,assembly of the attachment member 114 on the cable 102 provides axialretention and strain relief for the connector 110. As shown in FIG. 15,to install the connector 110 on the first end 101 of the cable 102, theouter jacket 109 is removed from a section of cable beginning at thefirst end 101. The inner jacket 107 is removed from an end portion ofthis section to reveal the twisted pairs 108. The moveable cover 133 ofthe attachment member 114 is in the open position.

The cable 102 is inserted into the attachment member 114 through thepassage 141 of the collar 140 and the passage 128 of the boot 127. Thecable 102 continues to be inserted through the attachment member 114until the inner jacket 107 extends across the base 131 of the retentionsection 130 and the twisted pairs 108 extends across the managementsection 120. The inner jacket 107 extends over the grips 135 of the base131. In the example shown, the end of the inner jacket 107 abuts theguides defining the channels 121.

The twisted pairs 108 are arranged in the channels 121. In the exampleshown, each twisted pair 108 is positioned in a separate channel 121. Inanother implementation, each wire 105 of each twisted pair 108 may bepositioned in a separate channel. In other implementations, one or morewires 105 of two or more twisted pairs 108 may be positioned in eachchannel 121. In certain implementations, the wires 105 of the twistedpairs 108 are trimmed to a desired length.

As shown in FIG. 17, the inner diameter ID3 of the second section 148 ofthe collar 140 is sufficiently large to accommodate the outer jacket 109of the cable 102. Accordingly, the outer jacket 109 of the cable 102enters the passage 141 of the collar 140 when the cable 102 is insertedinto the attachment member 114. The outer jacket 109 slides over theinwardly protruding teeth 143 as the outer jacket 109 slides forwardlythrough the collar 140. The inner diameter ID2 of the first section 147of the collar 140 is not sufficiently to accommodate the outer jacket109, however. Accordingly, the outer jacket 109 abuts against the ledge146 of the collar 140.

The teeth 143 of the collar 140 protrude sufficiently far inwardly tobite into the outer jacket 109 of the cable 102 when an attempt is madeto move the cable 102 rearwardly relative to the attachment member 114.In some implementations, the teeth 143 protrude sufficiently farinwardly to extend fully through the outer jacket 109. In otherimplementations, the teeth 143 protrude sufficiently inward to extendonly partially through the outer jacket 109. In certain implementations,the teeth 143 extend partially through the inner jacket 107 as well asthe outer jacket 109.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the cover 133 is moved to the closedposition relative to the retention section base 131 to enclose the innerjacket 107 therebetween. In some implementations, the cover 133 pressestightly enough against the inner jacket 107 and twisted pairs 108 toinhibit movement of the twisted pairs 108 from their respective channels121. In other implementations, the cover 133 presses tightly enoughagainst the inner jacket 107 to inhibit axial movement of the attachmentmember 114 relative to the inner jacket 107. In certain implementations,the cover 133 latches shut.

In certain implementations, the inner jacket 107 is caught between thegrips 135, 136 when the cover 133 is shut. In some implementations, atleast one of the grips 135, 136 bites into the inner jacket 107. Incertain implementations, all of the grips 135, 136 bite into the innerjacket 107. In other implementations, the grips 135, 136 press against,but do not penetrate, the inner jacket 107.

After securing the attachment member 114 to the cable 102, the plug nose112 is latched to the attachment member 114. In some implementations,the plug nose 112 defines latching openings 113 (FIG. 18) that receivelatching members 139 protruding from a top of the cover 133 of theattachment member body 115 (see FIG. 2). In other implementations,however, the plug nose 112 can be otherwise secured to the attachmentmember 114. The plug nose 112 includes main signal contacts 117 thatterminate the wires 105 of the twisted pairs 108. In certainimplementations, the contacts 117 of the plug nose 112 areinsulation-displacement contacts. In some implementations, the contacts117 are held in a termination module 116 that is enclosed within theplug nose 112 and attachment member 114 (e.g., see FIG. 18). The plugnose 112 also defines one or more slots providing access to the contacts117.

The above specification provides a complete description of the presentinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, certain aspects ofthe invention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A patch cord comprising: a cable having an outerjacket; and a connector attached to one end of the cable, the connectorincluding: a boot member extending from a first end to a second end, theboot member defining a passage through which the cable extends; a plugbody coupled to the first end of the boot member; and a single-piecering coupled to the second end of the boot member, the ring alsodefining a passage through which the cable extends, the passage definedby the ring aligning with the passage defined by the boot member, thering including a plurality of teeth extending inwardly from an innersurface of the ring, each of the teeth ramping inwardly as the toothextends towards the boot so that each tooth defines an inwardly facingedge.
 2. The patch cord of claim 1, wherein the cable also includes aninner jacket; and wherein the inwardly facing edge of each tooth bitesat least partially into the inner jacket.
 3. The patch cord of claim 2,wherein the inwardly facing edge of each tooth bites fully into theinner jacket.
 4. The patch cord of claim 1, wherein the cable alsoincludes an inner jacket; and wherein the inwardly facing edge of eachtooth does not bite into the inner jacket.
 5. The patch cord of claim 1,wherein the ring includes four teeth extending inwardly from the innersurface.
 6. The patch cord of claim 1, wherein the ring defines aplurality of circumferential openings.
 7. The patch cord of claim 6,wherein the ring defines a circumferential opening for each tooth. 8.The patch cord of claim 1, wherein the ring has a first section adjacentthe boot member and a second section extending from the first sectionaway from the boot member, the first section having an internal diameterthat is substantially the same as an internal diameter of the bootmember, and the second section having an internal diameter that islarger than the internal diameter of the first section.
 9. The patchcord of claim 8, wherein a transition between the first and secondsections of the ring defines a rearward facing ledge.
 10. The patch cordof claim 9, wherein the ring defines a plurality of circumferentialopenings that each extend along a length of the passage defined by thering between the rearward facing ledge and one of the plurality ofteeth.
 11. A connector comprising: a plug body; and a ring coupled tothe plug body, the ring having a circumferential wall extending betweena first end and an opposite second end, the circumferential wall havinga first section at the first end of the ring and a second section at thesecond end of the ring, the first section having a first internaldiameter, and the second section having a second internal diameter thatis larger than the first internal diameter, the second section of thecircumferential wall including a plurality of rigid teeth extendingradially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential wall,each of the teeth ramping inwardly as the tooth extends towards the plugbody so that each tooth defines an inwardly facing edge; and a bootmember disposed between the plug body and the ring.
 12. The connector ofclaim 11, wherein the plurality of rigid teeth include four teeth spacedat regular intervals around the circumferential wall.
 13. The connectorof claim 11, wherein the circumferential wall of the ring defines aplurality of circumferential openings.
 14. The connector of claim 13,wherein the circumferential wall defines a circumferential opening foreach rigid tooth.
 15. The connector of claim 11, wherein a transitionbetween the first and second sections of the circumferential walldefines a rearward facing ledge.
 16. The connector of claim 15, whereinthe circumferential wall defines a plurality of circumferential openingsthat each extend between the rearward facing ledge and one of theplurality of rigid teeth.
 17. The connector of claim 11, wherein theboot member and ring are integral.
 18. The connector of claim 17,wherein the plug body, boot member, and ring are integral.
 19. Theconnector of claim 18, wherein the plurality of rigid teeth include fourteeth spaced at regular intervals around the circumferential wall.
 20. Aconnector comprising: a plug body; and a ring coupled to the plug body,the ring having a circumferential wall extending between a first end andan opposite second end, the circumferential wall having a first sectionat the first end of the ring and a second section at the second end ofthe ring, the first section having a first internal diameter, and thesecond section having a second internal diameter that is larger than thefirst internal diameter, the second section of the circumferential wallincluding a plurality of rigid teeth extending radially inwardly from aninner surface of the circumferential wall, each of the teeth rampinginwardly as the tooth extends towards the plug body so that each toothdefines an inwardly facing edge, wherein a transition between the firstand second sections of the circumferential wall defines a rearwardfacing ledge, wherein the circumferential wall defines a plurality ofcircumferential openings that each extend between the rearward facingledge and one of the plurality of rigid teeth.
 21. A patch cordcomprising: a cable having an outer jacket; and a connector attached toone end of the cable, the connector including: a boot member extendingfrom a first end to a second end, the boot member defining a passagethrough which the cable extends; a plug body coupled to the first end ofthe boot member; and a ring coupled to the second end of the bootmember, the ring also defining a passage through which the cableextends, the passage defined by the ring aligning with the passagedefined by the boot member, the ring including a plurality of teethextending inwardly from an inner surface of the ring, each of the teethramping inwardly as the tooth extends towards the boot so that eachtooth defines an inwardly facing edge, the ring having a first sectionadjacent the boot member and a second section extending from the firstsection away from the boot member, the first section having an internaldiameter that is substantially the same as an internal diameter of theboot member, and the second section having an internal diameter that islarger than the internal diameter of the first section.
 22. The patchcord of claim 21, wherein a transition between the first and secondsections of the ring defines a rearward facing ledge.
 23. The patch cordof claim 22, wherein the ring defines a plurality of circumferentialopenings that each extend along a length of the passage defined by thering between the rearward facing ledge and one of the plurality ofteeth.